Specialized Sirrus vs Trek FX 2 Disc

$500-900 should get you something name brand and quality built. You'll want an aluminum frame and carbon fork for lightness.

You have to slam the gear changer up or back and hold it briefly to have the derailleur disengage from one sprocket and reengage to another. I'm sure I'll get used to it because I'm just looking at it as a new adventure every time I go for a ride. BYW what I really like about my FX2 is the weight compared to my Stache it's like night and day.

I had a 2012 Specialized Sirrus Comp (now stolen), which was excellent, but I’d love to get something a tad more upright (like a normal hybrid bike, rather than a fitness bike like the sirrus) and with any other comfort improvements (less stiff frame? I’m not sure what I’m looking for here. Not anything major like shocks, but I’m going to put a softer seat on it anyway).

I love it, as long as I keep the rides below 20 miles. It is so comfortable. Brand new was $699 so maybe luck find a used one may work for your budget.